Derek Norton

Overview

Derek Norton is a serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist with over 30 years of experience in technology, internet, and digital media industries. He is the founder and Managing General Partner of Watertower Ventures, a seed-stage venture capital fund investing in transformative infrastructure, emerging protocols, and digital services that reimagine and enhance the way we live, work, and play. Watertower Ventures has invested in over 40 companies to date, playing a meaningful role in supporting founders at the earliest stages to grow their businesses and realize their vision. Prior to Watertower Ventures, Derek founded and was the managing partner of Watertower Group, an industry-leading boutique investment bank advising technology, internet, and digital media companies. He has built three other successful companies, including Entertainment Media Ventures, a $120 million seed and early-stage venture capital fund; Jeffries Technologies, which became one of Inc. Magazine’s 500 fastest-growing privately held U.S. companies; and Digital Boardwalk, which was Netscape’s second commercial application partner and one of the very first internet service providers. Derek holds a BA in Communications from the University of Southern California and lives in Beverly Hills with his wife and son. He is an avid runner and a passionate cyclist, surfer, skier, and yogi. He is a frequent speaker and panelist on the subjects of technology, consumer internet, and venture capital. He is a member of the Advisory Council of the Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at USC’s Marshall School of Business. He and his wife support charities focused on improving the lives and education of under-privileged youths, and he previously served as Vice President of the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art, Contemporaries.

Investment Focus

• Innovative consumer technology startups
• Early-stage companies with transformative ideas
• Founders seeking active support and mentorship

Portfolio Companies